Physalia

Physalia

The UK had the rather auspicious title of being the first nation to actually make the rivers run black, thanks to the shady practices during its coal mining heyday. While the days of Victorian mining practices are thankfully long behind us, Vincent Callebaut has come up with a rather beautiful way of keeping Europe’s waterways from returning to those dark days.

Inspired by the Physaliaphysalis -- or the Portuguese man-of-war to give the siphonophore its more sinister moniker -- this floating leisure palace is a floating garden designed to sail up and down Europe’s waterways purifying its waters.

The roof is made of super thin lining consisting of solar panels and hydro-turbines, which generate power as the craft moves through the water. This means all the Physalia’s energy is generated by renewable means.

The clever bit comes with the filtration system itself. The exterior of the boat is covered in titanium oxide, which absorbs airborne pollutants such as nitrogen oxide. To further clean the river, water is pumped through the giant garden on top that acts as a biological filter, removing contaminants the way nature intended. What’s better, Callebaut’s designs incorporate spaces for people to come on board and watch conservation in action. At the moment, it’s just a pipe dream, but, hopefully, this could become a permanent part of Europe’s rivers.

Pictured here:The Physalia is inspired by the jellyfish-esque Portuguese man-of-war, who drifts on ocean currents.